About Mumtaz Mahal

Mumtaz Mahal, originally known as Arjumand Banu Begum was born on 1 September 1593 to a Persian noble couple Abdul Hasan Asaf Khan and Plondregi Begum in Agra. On 10 May 1612, she was married to Prince Khurram (popularly known as Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan) at the age of 19 after a long wait of five years since their engagement in 1607.

Inspired by her appearance and character, the Prince awarded her with the title of Mumtaz Mahal which means, ‘the chosen one of the palace’, when he succeeded his father and came to be known as Shah Jahan ‘King of world’. She was known by the title throughout her life since then. This Mughal Empress was the favorite among the three wives of Emperor Shah Jahan and was considered as his chief consort.

Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan had a happy marital life. Mumtaz Mahal was extremely beautiful and compassionate without any want of political power. Therefore, Shah Jahan trusted her and handed over his imperial sea to Mumtaz. She accompanied Shah Jahan on military campaigns and so, he considered her to be a perfect wife. Thus, she died on such a campaign during the birth of their 14th child (Gauhara Begum).

She died on 17 June 1631 in Burhanpur, in the Deccan, which is known as Madhya Pradesh at present. The temporary burial was done at Zainabad- a walled garden in Burhanpur, on the bank of Tapti River. After the death of his beloved Queen, Shah Jahan went into isolation for a year to mourn. It was their eldest daughter Jahanara Begum, who helped Shah Jahan to overcome the grief.

Shah Jahan then constructed a final resting place for his beloved wife, the marvelous mausoleum- Taj Mahal, in Agra. It was the site where Mumtaz used to visit a garden on the bank of River Yamuna. Therefore, Shah Jahan decided to build the Taj Mahal in the same garden.

Our guides will narrate you each and everything you would like to know about the so much in love couple Mumtaz Mahal and Shah Jahan. So, to know more about their love story and their life, take an extensive tour of Taj Mahal.